Vanished that picture of glorious youth,
Dark clouds o'er life's midsummer came;
Yet scathless the seasons retain
The loving trust, and the honor and truth.
Full oft, o'er the fairest spring morning,
There falleth a bitter, cold blight;
Oft shroudeth in darksomest night
The ruddiest sun heaven adorning.
So fell _he_ in full flush of his manhood,
So dropt _they_ in life's glowing spring;
Yet the anguished soul wakened to sing,
The tear-bedimmed eyes perceived the All-Good.
Richer than diamond of Indian mine
The treasure Victoria owns;
Firmest pillar of earthly thrones,
True sympathy,--typing the Love Divine.
Thrice blessèd sympathy! may it surround
And cheer her graceful evening's calm;
Till sceptre yields to victor's palm,
May the faith and hope, and the love abound.
Voice then the homage of millions as one;
Wreathe garlands of amaranth flowers;
Nor last be Canada--hers and ours;--
For here doth the blood of true fealty run.
Thunder it over the wide ocean's sheen!
Sing it by peaceful inland sea;
"God bless our glorious Jubilee!
God bless and defend our most noble Queen!"